SP4.3: Creating a Nexus for Global Engagement: The Global Center

This project will transform the Computer Center into The Global Center, a highly inviting and visible central campus space to foster global engagement by co-locating an array of international programs and services. The vision for the center is to create a nexus that encourages social gathering and facilitates collaboration of many different globally focused departmental offices. While completion of the project can occur only after current occupants leave the Computer Center in 2015, planning is under way by Physical Facilities and the Space Management Council to program the building for its new function.

Goals advanced under this project:

Increase four-year graduation rate

Increase the diversity of the student population at both graduate and undergraduate levels

Enhance the University’s social impact on the global community

Enhance the University’s cultural impact on the global community

Optimize staff and faculty resources

Indicators of success for these goals are:

Four-year graduation rate (of international students)

(International) student satisfaction with inclusiveness in academic offerings and settings, as reflected in campus surveys

Number of students participating in study abroad

Increase revenue from undergraduate and graduate tuition

Milestones completed since last progress report:

Renovation of Computer Center approved by Space Management Council and President and included in University’s list of Critical Maintenance Projects.

Programs to be included in the Global Center finalized: the Office of International Students and Scholars Services, the Office of International Programs, the English as a Second Language Program, and the Confucius Institute.

In consultation with the stakeholders, Physical Facilities developed and refined a program for the space to guide renovation.

President developed a proposal to the Regional Economic Development Council seeking additional funding to support renovation.